SUB-ZERO temperatures and ice caused havoc to the region today as the North East entered a 10-day deep freeze.

The Met Office put out a "be prepared" weather warning as the mercury plummeted and snow and ice covered the region.

Today at Shilbottle, near Alnwick, in Northumberland, traffic was moving slowly on the A1 after two lorries jack-knifed in the snow.

But traffic bosses across the region insist the roads will be cleared despite predictions of the winter freeze.

As forecasters warn of sustained periods of snowfall with temperatures plummeting to minus 6 celsius highways chiefs are predicting they will be in a good position to keep traffic moving.

Many councils have carried out reviews on the levels of grit and salt they keep in reserve following last winter’s unusually long and heavy cold spell which saw supplies dwindling.

They have also invested in new machinery to ensure there will be no repeat of roads remaining unpassable. Among those to increase their supplies is Gateshead Council.

Neighbourhood services manager Louise Hayward said: "Our fleet of gritters are currently working flat out 24-hours-a-day and will continue to do so until the current weather eases."

Neighbouring Newcastle City Council has also upped its supplies of salt by 10,000 tonnes. And South Tyneside has a response team, including a permanent night shift, in place until March.

Durham County Council has treated more than 1,000 miles of road each night in the past two days. Terry Collins, director of neighbourhood services, said: "We have had 66 pieces of winter maintenance road kit out clearing and salting highways, while our seven new tractors are being used to clear pavements."

In Northumberland, which was also heavily hit by snow, teams of gritters made sure all main routes were passable.

County Coun Alan Armstrong, executive member responsible for highways said: "We were gritting A and B roads across Northumberland and snow ploughs and gritters have been out in all areas of the county."